Durham University is inviting aspiring researchers to apply for eight fully funded PhD studentships that aim to reshape society’s understanding of human experience. The awards, beginning in October 2026, will support projects under the broad theme of Transformative Humanities, with seven places for UK students and one for an international candidate.
At the heart of the scheme is the Institute for Medical Humanities (IMH), a community known for exploring the often unseen sides of health and illness. The IMH brings together scholars from across the humanities, social sciences and sciences who study issues such as mental health, trauma, ethics, spirituality, artificial intelligence, and the impact of climate and environment on wellbeing.
For many prospective students, the appeal goes beyond funding. The IMH offers a supportive environment where PhD candidates can attend weekly gatherings, join research networks, and take part in reading groups and writing workshops. Its Fellows programme gives students a place to share ideas, test methods, and meet researchers working on similar questions.
The institute also hosts international summer schools and training programmes that help students develop creative and collaborative approaches to research. With more than 50 postgraduates already involved, Durham says the new studentships will strengthen a growing community committed to understanding how people live, suffer and heal.
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